Top tips

To determine the square footage of the interior of a room, multiply the width of the walls by the height of the room. Next, divide this number by 400. This will give you the number of gallons you need to purchase.
Remember, darker colors generally require more than one coat of paint.

Power Roller or Airless Sprayer
Used mostly by professionals. Please read instructions completely before use.

Roller and Roller Tray
Nap sizes vary depending on surface type. Generally, the smoother the surface the shorter the nap.

For best results with a brush, dip half the length of the bristles into your paint. Tap the brush gently against the side of the can but do not wipe it across the lip. Hold the handle near the base, applying light pressure with your fingertips to make the bristles flex slightly.

For best results with a roller, slowly roll it back and forth in the lower end of your roller tray until it is well covered. Then use the ridges in the upper portion of the tray to remove excess paint. Roll on the paint using even strokes to ensure a uniform look and coverage.

Recent questions

How long does it take for paint to “cure”?

Depending on color choice, atmospheric conditions, and other variables, latex paint may take up to 60 days for a “full cure”. In most cases, latex paint can be put to normal use after a day or two. Fresh latex should be allowed to cure for at least 14 days before attempting to wipe or wash the walls. It can be sensitive to water or chemicals during the curing process.

Also see the previous question regarding sheen choice. Lower sheens will be more susceptible to moisture and chemicals even after fully cured.

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WHAT IS A VOC?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-containing chemicals which are released into the atmosphere from both man-made and naturally occurring materials. Because of their impact on air quality, they are subject to a variety of regulatory definitions depending on jurisdiction and product type. For architectural coatings, VOCs result from the use of solvents and thinners which evaporate into the air as the paint dries. Outdoors, they can contribute to ground-level ozone, forming smog. Indoors, they can affect air quality both in the short term during the painting process and in the long term through continued off-gassing.

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What causes lap marks in the dried paint?

Lap marks are created when a wet edge is not maintained while painting. It can also be caused when the paint is applied in a vertical motion only.

Make sure to keep a wet edge as well as spread the paint in a “W” or “M” pattern on the wall. This will help spread the coating and create an even film on the surface. Once this is done, you can go right back over that area and roll from top to bottom to minimize a “shadowing” effect in the dried film.

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Why does my flat or low sheen paint show handprints, marks, and shows the areas where I tried to scrub them off?

In general, flat and low sheen paints do not have a high amount of scrubbabilty.

Areas that are of higher traffic or that are washed should be painted with a higher sheen product.

At minimum, a “Satin” type or higher sheen is usually recommended in those areas for their overall durability.

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Can I put a latex paint over a surface that was previously painted with alkyd (oil) product?

In most cases and with the latex technology used today, this should not be an issue. The surface to be painted needs extra attention in preparation to be repainted.

WARNING! If you scrape sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust or fumes. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST OR FUMES CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a properly fitted NIOSH=approved respirator and prevent skin contact to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vaccum and a wet mop.

Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the USEPA National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead. Follow these instructions to control exposure to other hazardous substances that may be released during surface preparation.

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Do I need to prime every time that I want to freshen my walls with another coat of latex paint?

No. Primers are not always needed when repainting.

If you are repainting a similar color, you can lightly scuff sand to remove the gloss and clean the surface. Once that is completed, you can simply repaint over the existing latex coating. More than one coat may be needed for uniformity.

Please note that switching sheens or drastic color changes may require a primer to minimize the amount of topcoats used.

WARNING! If you scrape sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust or fumes. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST OR FUMES CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a properly fitted NIOSH=approved respirator and prevent skin contact to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vaccum and a wet mop.

Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the USEPA National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead. Follow these instructions to control exposure to other hazardous substances that may be released during surface preparation.

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Do paint products that are considered a “Paint and Primer” in one product actually have primer mixed in?

No. These types of products do not actually have primer mixed into them. The “Paint and Primer” products use quality resins that allow for good adhesion. This helps to eliminate the use of primers in most circumstances.

Please note that primers may be needed in special cases. Contact your local store or technical service for more information in those instances.